[nmikes]

I think it depends on your application. A good recovery strap is like giant rubber band and should stretch. If you try to use a recovery strap as a tow line, it may lose its dynamics. They do make ropes specifically purposed for off road 'towing' so it may be 6 of one half dozen of the other. Ultimately as long as one doesn't go to Walmart and get a strap that has hooks already on it. etc. I don't think it matters per say. I prefer the straps because they seem not to get knotted up as much and when they do, they are a bit easier to untangle and store when not being used.